I’m thrilled to share some exciting good news: TypeMetal is back on the Mac App Store! The new version, TypeMetal 2.1.2, runs natively on both M1 and Intel Macs, supports WordPress’ new “Block Mode” content model, and has appearance updates for macOS Monterey and Dark Mode, among many other improvements. You should soon see TypeMetal 2.1.2 offered as an Update in the App Store app.
TypeMetal has been back under active, full-time development since January, and this release marks the rekindling of its promise and potential. It’s the first of a planned series of updates, focused initially on the key enhancements needed to get TypeMetal users up and running again.
The launch of WordPress’ “Block Mode” has been by far the biggest of many significant changes in the tech world since TypeMetal was last updated. “Block Mode” fundamentally changes the way WordPress content is structured, shifting from the fully general HTML that TypeMetal was originally built for to specially commented HTML constructs that must be carefully maintained in their own way. The addition of WordPress Block Mode support is one of the biggest changes in this TypeMetal release. You’ll notice new block property inspectors and a different set of available HTML elements in Block Mode posts and pages. TypeMetal now defaults to creating new posts and pages in Block Mode, but still works as before with your plain-HTML “Classic Mode” content. You can ask TypeMetal to create new posts and pages in “Classic Mode” if you want, by unchecking “Use WordPress Block Mode” in a TypeMetal WordPress project’s Settings.
HTML file content authoring and editing remains the other half of TypeMetal’s focus, and this release brings several improvements to that realm, including upgraded image handling that better supports a higher-resolution world. See the Release Notes for the full list of improvements in TypeMetal 2.1.2.
Where to next? My planned roadmap for continued development includes:
- ongoing improvements to WordPress Block Mode support, such as expanding the set of available block types and editable properties
- refining keyboard navigation and the overall editing experience to smooth out rough edges and decrease editing friction
- HTML validation updates to sync up with the latest HTML spec
- French localization (work in progress)
- big ambitions for a next major version, including support for new kinds of projects
I’m determined to build a sustainable development path for TypeMetal, that will dependably support its continued evolution and the fulfillment of the project’s tremendous potentials for years to come. My other work has been meaningful and rewarding in its own ways, but I’ve felt much regret over the neglect of a project that has continued to mean so much to me, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give TypeMetal the full attention it deserves again.
TypeMetal users took a chance on a new and unknown app with an unconventional approach — some as far back as TypeMetal 1.0 in 2013 — and have done much to help give this project its start. I feel deeply grateful to all of you for your support, and will aim to reward your faith in this project with improvements that help you do your best creative work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to support@coherencelabs.com with questions, problems, bug reports, and enhancement requests. I’ll be giving top priority to getting things running smoothly, and building TypeMetal into an app that makes your creative lives more productive and fun.